People whose date goes wrong and they feel under threat on a night out will be able to get help by using a special safe-word – Angela.

The code word can now be used to alert staff in Plymouth’s pubs and clubs by any customer who feels threatened or unsafe.

Devon and Cornwall Police, Best Bar None Plymouth, L&D Training and the University of Plymouth Students’ Union have been working together to launch a joint campaign to help people stay safe while dating in the city’s nightspots.

The scheme encourages anyone, male or female, who may be feeling threatened or unsafe while on a date, to get help by approaching the bar and “ask for Angela”.

The Ask for Angela campaign is designed to help vulnerable people on a night out

Staff will then take that person to a place of safety – possibly even a “safe room” – or arrange for them to be transported home.

Staff can call a cab, contact a friend or relative to collect the person seeking Angela, or ask the individual causing the distress to leave the premises.

The Ask for Angela scheme, which has a name coming from the term “guardian angel”, is being brought in following concerns women, particularly female students, can be put in a vulnerable position on a night out.

This has been heightened since the advent of internet dating, which has led to women sometimes ending up with a man whose intentions may not be honourable.

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But the scheme also encompasses vulnerable men and members of the LGBT community.

Ask for Angela was originally launched by Lincolnshire County Council and has already proved successful across the country.

Training has now been provided to Plymouth police and bar staff.

Posters advertising the scheme will be placed in venues across Plymouth containing messages such as: “Are you on a date that isn’t working out?” and “Is your Tinder or POF (dating site) date not who they said they were on their profile?”

How the Ask for Angela scheme works

Superintendent Craig Downham, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “This simple, yet effective scheme empowers members of the public to seek help if they are feeling vulnerable in a pub or club.

“A person can raise their concerns with the bar staff in the knowledge that help is available.